Standing at 12 meters high (39.3 feet), this commanding statue is inspired by Langkawi's namesake sea eagle. Poised to take flight, the statue is the focal point of the waterfront Dataran Lang, a star-shaped plaza located on Kuah Bay. It's one of the first sights to greet visitors arriving via ferry or cruise ship.
Dataran Lang is popular for photos with the larger-than-life Brahminy kite, or to simply watch boats sail in and out of the bay. Opposite the square, across a small footbridge, is the Jetty Point Complex, Langkawi's main ferry terminal and a mid-sized mall with duty-free shopping opportunities and fast food chains.
Oh, you're so close
The awesome itinerary feature is only for VIP Members.
But that's ok! You're welcome to join the cool club for free.
Joining only takes a minute and it's... um... free! Plus you get other perks like badges, points, and unicorns.
Look Around
Square complex from behind
Star mosaic
Statue from above
Approaching statue from the sea
Front view
Side view
Rear view
Entry from parking lot
Facing west with Dayang Bunting island in the background
Golden sunrise glow cast across the statue
Who Will Like Dataran Lang
Bucketlist Bandit
Stand in front of eagle's base to take an instantly recognizable selfie of your travel group.
Photography Whiz
Visit at sunrise to capture an iconic shot of Langkawi with the statue set against the island's turquoise waters and towering mountains. Due to the eagle's size, the best photos are taken with a drone.
Culture Buff
See the emblem of Langawi, resembling the origin of the island's name according to local folklore. The reddish-brown eagle statue represents the Malay words "Helang" (eagle) and "Kawi" (reddish brown).
Insider Tips For Dataran Lang
- Visit in the early morning or evening as the square can be quite hot during the day.
- Visit at night to see the statue illuminated with colorful lights.
- Several local vendors set up stalls in the white arched buildings on each side of the entrance selling local snacks, clothing, and souvenirs.
- On weekends you may find street performers in the area as well.
Video
How To Get There
Motorbike
Free parking at Jetty Point Complex near pedestrian bridge to Eagle Square.
Car
Limited spaces are available along the road leading to Eagle Square. These spaces are free on Friday & Saturday, with other days being "coupon" parking (however enforcement is very lax). Additional paid parking is available at Jetty Point Complex. Expect to pay around RM0.30 (USD$0.06) for 1 hour.
Free
Tech & Photography
Photography
Photography allowed: Yesflash is ok
Tripod allowed: Yes
Selfie sticks allowed: Yes
Best time to shoot: Sunrise & Sunset
Tips: Just after sunrise (during the morning golden hour) the ideal spot is at the main entrance to the square. Shooting a low angle from the front of the statue can give it the sculpture a less desirable pigeon-like appearance.
Drones
Drones allowed: Yes (subject to national/regional rules)
Tips: Fly in the 20 minutes before sunrise to capture the ever-changing hues around Kuah Bay, as it transitions from blue and purple, to gold and green. Bring a spare battery because one flight will not be enough! During the middle of a cloudless day, the sea turns a brilliant turquoise which is best captured in the late morning.
Bags
Backpacks allowed: Yes
Secured bag lockers available: No
Food & Drink
Local and international fast-food chains are located at the neighboring Jetty Point Complex. Several snack vendors are located inside the white arched structure straddling the main entry.
Restaurants at Jetty Point
Snack vendors located insideBackstory
The reddish-brown sculpture represents one of Langawi's oldest residents and symbol of the island, the sea eagle (also called the Brahminy kite). According to the folklore stories, the name "Langkawi" came from Malay words: "helang", meaning "eagle" and "kawi", meaning "reddish-brown".
Standing tall on a man-made platform shaped like a 5-pointed star, the vast monument casts its gaze over the bay and incoming ships. Eagle Square covers a landscaped area of 19 acres including covered terraces, beautiful small ponds, fountains, footbridges, shops and eateries.
The site, opened on 23 October 1996 by then-Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad, is one of the most photographed sites on the island and instantly recognizable by most Malaysians.
Etiquette
- Dress modestly and don't show too much skin out of respect to local Malays.
- Share the best photo spots with other visitors.
- Climb on the statue.
- Fish from the platform.
- Swim in the waters below the statue.
- Kiss or publicly display affection.
- Pick any plants from within the complex.
- Feed birds or other animals.
Scorecard
- Iconic sculpture with meaningful connection to Langkawi.
- Impressive and large size, visible from the sea while approaching the island.
- Proximity to Jetty Point Complex and ferry terminal.
- Colorful lighting at night.
- Clean and well-maintained public square.
- Lack of shade and protection from Langkawi's hot sun.
- Difficult to photograph without other visitors in the frame.
- Lack of signage explaining the history of the sculpture and square.
Oh, you're so close
The awesome itinerary feature is only for VIP Members.
But that's ok! You're welcome to join the cool club for free.
Joining only takes a minute and it's... um... free! Plus you get other perks like badges, points, and unicorns.
What's Nearby In Langkawi
...and earn 5 points
